Improvement in throttle-valves for locomotive and other engines



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H. WATKEYS. Throttle-Valves for Locomotive and other EnginesQ N0. 139,694. Patentefllune10,1873.

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Throttle-Valves for Locomotive and othr Ehgines. N0.139,694. Patentedjunel0,l87 3.

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H. WATKEYS Throttle-Valves for Locomotive and other Engines.- No. 139,694. PatehtedJune10,l873.

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Th rot tlo Patented Ju ne 10, I873 HENRY WATKEYsoF SYRAOU SE NEW YO RK.

IMPROVEMENT IN THROTTLE-VALVES FOR LOCOMOTIVE AND OTHER ENGINES.

4 UNITED STATES ATENTTQFFIQE;

wwrification forming part of Letters Patent No. 139,694, dated J une 10,1873; application filed March as, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY WATKEYS, of

the city of Syracuse, in the county of OllOIl-s thus reducing the friction of its main valve,

so that it will not admit too much steam into the cylinders at the moment of starting the engine, whereby it is intended to obviate sudden shocks and strains upon the machinery.

This invention consists in arranging within a puppet or main valve, and seated upon it,

a supplemental adjustable puppet-valve, each of which is constructed with a single seat, the supplemental valve being connected to the operating-lever, so that a slight movement of the lever will first open the supplemental valve, which will admit only a small quantity of steam to the main steam-cylinders, and that upon a continuation of the movement of the operating-lever the main valve itself will be fully opened, so that as the steam enters into the cylinders when the throttle-valve is wide open, they already having been partially filled with steam, no undue strain or shock will result to the machinery. The invention also consists in making part of the operating-lever, within the steam-dome, in the form of a togglejoint, so that the auxiliary valve will be opened by the slightest movement of the lever, and that though it causes the supplemental valve to be sensitive to its slightest movement, nevertheless, by reason of its superior strength, it may be easily operated when the boiler contains its greatest pressure f steam.

In the drawings, Figure I is a plan view of a boiler with the top of the steam-dome removed, showing the invention in position. Fig. II is a longitudinal section of the same. Fig. III is an enlarged vertical section of the steam-dome and the throttlevalve in position. Fig. IV is a sideelevation of the throttle-valve and upper part of the dry-pipe. Fig. V is an end view of the same. Fig. VI is an enlarged top view of the throttle-valve detached, and Fig. VII is a side view of the same.

A represents the boiler; B, the steam-dome, the head of which is removable;-and C the dry-pipe, with a vertical branch, D, supported in the boiler in the usual manner, as is plainly shown in Fig. II. In the upper part of this branch of the dry-pipe is aseat for the main throttle-valve E, in the center of which is seated an auxiliary or supplemental throttlevalve, F, which isadjustable upon the stem f that passes through a guide in the lower end of the main throttle-valve. To the supplemental valve is attached a bell-crank lever, G, pivoted to a bracket, H, upon the upper end of the dry-pipe. To the other end of this bell-crank lever is connected another lever, I, pivoted about midway to a bracket, K, also cast upon the dry-pipe; these two leversG I,when united, forming a toggle-joint, whereby the greatest strength is combined with the greatest delicacy of movement. At the lower end of the lever I is attached a rod, L, that passes through a stuffing-box on the rear end of the boiler, and by which the throttle-valve is operated from without the boiler by a lever, M, having a suitable fulcrum.

The friction of the main throttle-valve, caused by the great pressure of steam upon it, often renders it very difficult to be opened in starting, and when opened it frequently is opened so farthat too much steam is admitted into the steam-cylinders, thus causing the engine to jump or start suddenly, and as a consequence producing oftentimes most violent shocks upon the machinery. In the case of starting a locomotive either the driving-wheels slip upon the track or else the train is so suddenly started as sometimes to break the connection between the cars. But in this construction of valves the main throttle-valve is not necessarily opened until the supplemental valve has been first opened, whereby the cylinders are gradually filled with steam, so that when a full opening is made danger is greatly obviated from the sudden admission of the full amount of steam. I

The supplemental valve being of small diameter is easily opened against the pressure of steam, and, too, the large main valve becomes partially balanced upontheslightestopening of theifirst; valve, and from, the reaction of the steam on its under side, it is also easily opened, as more steam is required, thus making it much easier and safer for the engineer in handling his engine.

I prefer to make the throttle-valve of the puppet kind, as it is well known there is less friction in a puppet than in a slide-valve,; that a puppet-valve is easier opened to its full extent, and that it is easier ground and fitted to its seat. A salientv feature in this inven tion is the adj ustability of the auxiliary valve, so that its throw may be adapted to the ser vice required of the engine, and that in combining the two valves there is but a single seat for each valve, which thus greatly reduces the friction of parts, and it also enables them to be constructed perfectly in a little time and at small expense.

Another apparent advantage of this over other throttle-valves is its durability and the ease and economy with which it may be repaired. It is also obvious that with the exerelse of ordinary mechanical skill this invention can be. applied with equal practicability and efi'ectiveness to other forms of valves than the construction represented in the drawings. Therefore, without limiting myself to any particular form of construction,

I broadly claim 1. The combination of a throttle-valve, consisting of a main valve and an adjustable, auxiliary, or supplemental valve, with the dry-pipe of a boiler, constructed substantially as specified.

2. The combination of a toggle-jointed lever with the main and auxiliary valves of a throttle-valve, when constructed and operating substantially as herein described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, in the presence of two attesting witnesses, at the city of Syracuse, in the State of New York, this 18th day of March, 1873.

HENRY WATKEYS, [L. s.]

Witnesses:

ARTHUR P. Yarns, WILLIAM H. DQANE. 

